25ft Off-Grid Skoolie – The Full Package! ($60k OBO – Price Drop!)
This 5 window skoolie comes with all the bells and whistles! It’s totally ready for an adventure with a beefy off-grid electrical system, 95 gallons of freshwater capacity, indoor hot shower, and it can fit in a single parking space (if you can overhang).
It’s originally from Phoenix, AZ so it has ZERO rust and the foundation is solid.
Bus Main Specs:
- 1997 Thomas International Model 3800
- 5 window dog-nose skoolie with extra side door
- 25ft long bumper-to-bumper, 12.5ft tall
- T444E 7.3L engine
- 267k miles
- AT545 Transmission
- GVWR of 19,600lbs (current weight is 15,000lbs with full tanks)
Electrical Set-Up:
- 600W of Renogy Solar Panels
- 40A DC-DC Charger from Renogy
- 30A Shore power inlet (15A or 50A can be used with adapter)
- 300AH LiFePo Smart Batteries from Renogy
- 3000W Inverter/Charger from Renogy
- 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller from Renogy
- Battery Monitoring Screen from Renogy
Unique Features You Won’t See in Other Skoolies:
- Hidden 40in TV (flips up from kitchen counter, across from the couch)
- Hidden toilet compartment inside shower (so you won’t have to put the toilet in the hallway to use the shower)
- Hidden insulated window covers for every window that slide down inside the wall for easy storage (built with Reflectix and covered with custom-sewn waterproof covers)
The Layout:
Open concept with lots of open windows for natural light and insulated window covers that slide into the wall for easy access. Two roof fans keep the air circulating, and all windows are accessible.
In the small space, we were able to fit:
- Full-sized fixed bed
- Fixed shower/bathroom
- 8ft kitchen
- Living room with L-shaped couch and 40in TV
- 4-person Dinette
- Large Garage Space Under the Bed
Kitchen:
- 75L Dometic CFX Refrigerator/Freezer Combo (dual compartments, each with adjustable temperature)
- 2-burner propane stove
- 900W microwave
- Large Elkay Sink (22”L x 16.5”W x 9.5”D)
- 8ft of Counter Space
- Tankless propane water heater (vent-free)
Bathroom:
- Fixed shower
- Waterproof Toilet Compartment
- Nature’s Head composting toilet (vent hole to outside with 12v fan)
Living Room:
- Fixed L-Shaped Couch
- 40-in TV (hidden underneath the kitchen counter, directly across from the couch)
- Hidden charging cabinet next to the couch
Dining Area:
- 4 person dinette, centered on a window
- Custom benches with angled back rest
- Lagun table mount (so there’s no table leg to hit your knees on getting in or out of dinette)
- Custom woodwork design for accent wall
Bedroom:
- Full-sized fixed bed (corner cut off to maximize shower space)
- USB outlets inside both flip-up nightstand compartments
- Laundry chute leading to the garage
- Overhead clothing storage
- Hanging closet storage under the bed, easy to access from inside
- Separate switch for bedroom puck lighting
- Control panel for the heater is next to the bed
Systems:
Plumbing:
- 95gal freshwater (one 55gal and one 40gal tank)
- 55gal greywater tank
- Shurflo water pump
- Shurflo Sediment filter and 2-stage filtration system
- Accumulator tank (for consistent water pressure)
Propane:
- Sealed propane box in garage for 20lb propane tank with vented exhaust to outside for safety
- (used for our tankless water heater and 2 burner cooktop)
Heating and Cooling:
- 12v Diesel Heater
- 2 Maxx Air Roof Fans (Deluxe version with Built-in Rain Cover)
- 2 12volt fans inside (1 by driver’s seat, and 1 by the head of the bed)
Other Fun Things:
- Rooftop deck with ladder
- WeBoost Drive Reach RV cell signal booster
- Back-Up Camera (can turn on even when bus is not running)
How it Drives (Mechanical Details):
We have invested >$10k just for mechanical upgrades, so this bus runs like a champ. Some of the newest mechanical features include:
- New alternator
- New starter
- New fuel pump
- New rear wheel bearings
- New glow plugs, relay, and harnesses
- New brake calipers and brake pads
- New shocks
- New fan clutch for radiator
- Additional 12v radiator fan
- 40A DC-DC Charger (charges house batteries while driving)
- Engine block heater with indoor plug
We left everything accessible for easy (and cheaper!) maintenance.
- Fuel tank has an easy to access panel inside, so work can be done on it without having to drop the tank.
- Engine access panel is accessible from inside
- Bus has a ‘dog nose’ front, which is roomier and easier to work on than a ‘van front’ bus
- We’ve installed a disconnect switch on the batteries (you only need to disconnect them for maintenance)
This bus is a breeze to drive! (Imagine a U-Haul truck). It has hydraulic brakes, an automatic transmission, seatbelts for two people (driver and passenger), and is only 25ft long. No special licenses or endorsements required to drive it! The turning radius is surprisingly great, transmission is in excellent condition with smooth gear shifting, and the engine is well maintained and reliable (the T444E is International’s version of the Ford 7.3L Powerstroke).
This bus was recently serviced by a reputable diesel mechanic in early June 2022. We have all maintenance records, dating back to the previous owner.
Why We’re Selling:
We love this bus, but want to downsize to a smaller vehicle. This bus is an excellent size with a comfortable living space and well thought-out floor plan. It’s all ready for your next adventure!
You Should Know:
- The gas gauge is not accurate. We have used the odometer to keep track of the miles, and have not had any trouble. The fuel tank is accessible from inside the bus (there is a panel under the couch).
- The horn is currently disconnected.
- The shower is designed to save space, so it’s a bit small. It’s about 2.5ft x 2ft inside, but the entrance is 1.5ft wide. It’s enough room to get the toilet in and out, and we’ve used this bus shower exclusively for 10 months with no issues.
